DERA GHAZI KHAN: The annual gathering of the Seraiki Lok Saanjh has demanded a Seraiki province, an end to illegal allotment of Rakhookh (grazing lands) to non-locals, and fair counting of the Seraiki population in the ongoing digital census.

The Saanjh called for immediate constitutional steps to establish the Seraiki province, which they believe will be a significant step towards a strong federation.

The participants and speakers emphasised that a separate province is the soul and most viable solution to the problems and deprivations of the Seraiki region.

They highlighted the consistent plundering of the region’s economic, mineral and land resources by the elite. The unjust distribution of resources, squeezed parliamentary representation of Seraikis, and non-transparent census in the region were identified as major issues facing Seraikis.

Former census official Khalil Bukhari contended that any population census that ignores the annual average increase and shows the Seraiki population as less than the 2017 figures of above 40 million would be fake and must be rejected.

Questioning the reduction of the census duration from 10 to six years on the demand of just two political parties, the Jamaat-i-Islami and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement, Awami Jamhuri Party (Sindh) President Dr Laal Syed called the whole process dubious and marked by technical flaws. He criticised the induction of untrained primary school teachers as digital enumerators and erratic entries due to Internet service in many regions, among others.

In addition to these issues, high-handed administrative measures like illegal land allotment to non-natives, especially the recent handing over of 45,000 acres of Rakhook, were criticised.

Seraiki activist Fazal Lund termed corporate farming belligerent and colonising constructs. The gathering, organised at Jaisal Klasra, was attended by public, politicians, Seraiki student bodies, representatives of political parties and professionals from various classes.

MNA Afzal Dhandla lamented the historical plight of Seraiki people and the practice of land grab that affects thousands of native residents.

Federal Minister of State Mahar Irshad Sial contended that they categorically rejected any kind of secretariat and demands fully autonomous administrative unit for Siraikis. The PPP always supported the cause of province and it’ll be done with the efforts of the PPP.

Published in Dawn, April 26th, 2023